PPLF Workbook — Playful, Powerful, Loving, Free | ADHD Parenting

POWERFUL. PLAYFUL. LOVING. FREE. Understanding Behaviour Through Core Psychological Needs- The Deep-Dive Workbook

POWERFUL — to matter, to achieve, to have a voice PLAYFUL — to enjoy, to create, to find joy LOVING — to connect, to belong, to be seen FREE — to choose, to be yourself, to have space

Behaviour is rarely about the behaviour. Beneath every difficult moment sits a need that is not yet being met.

A 45-page psychology workbook and audio bundle for parents, educators, and professionals supporting children with ADHD or high emotional needs.

Written by Dr John Connolly, Senior Clinical Psychologist (HCPC: PYL34767), the PPLF framework draws together ideas from Choice Theory, Self-Determination Theory, Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, and Humanistic Psychology — bringing them together in a practical, accessible model that helps you understand what behaviour is really communicating.

What's inside

The Framework in Depth A thorough psychological grounding in all four needs — Powerful, Playful, Loving, Free — including their theoretical roots, what they look like when met and when under pressure, and a one-page at-a-glance reference for consultation and supervision.

For Each of the Four Needs:

• What the research says, and why it matters
• Real scenarios drawn from clinical practice (the homework battle, the child who always argues, the child who has lost their spark, the child who pushes everyone away)
• Language guides — what to say instead, in the hardest moments
• ADHD-specific strategies for home and school
• Structured reflection worksheets

The PPLF Needs Audit A 12-item reflective audit covering the child, the relationship, and you — identifying where needs are being met and where the gaps are.

The Inner Child Section A guided reflection on your own experience of each need in childhood — and how that history shapes your responses today. Includes a letter to your inner child.

The PAUSE Practice A five-step in-the-moment tool for staying regulated when a child's behaviour triggers a strong response in you: Pause · Ask · Understand · Speak · Engage.

Common Scenarios PPLF-mapped analysis of the most frequent difficulties — homework battles, aggression, school avoidance, friendship difficulties — with practical responses for each.

My PPLF Action Plan Four structured commitments — one per need — to carry the work forward into everyday practice.

Bonus: Two guided audio recordings (included free)

Created specifically to accompany this workbook by Dr John Connolly. Child-friendly language — equally effective for adults.

🎧 Belly Breathing — A guided diaphragmatic breathing exercise to calm the nervous system and support the P in the PAUSE Practice. Approx. 5 minutes. Suitable from age 5+.

🎧 Progressive Muscle Relaxation — A guided body-based exercise to release tension and build awareness of the regulation cycle. One of the most well-evidenced techniques for reducing physiological stress — useful after a difficult day, before sleep, or as a regular practice. Approx. 8 minutes. Suitable from age 7+.

Access via QR code inside the workbook or directly at payhip.com/b/RPyum.

Who it's for

Parents · Teachers · SENCOs / ALNCos · Teaching Assistants · Youth Workers · Psychologists · Therapists · Social Workers · Anyone who finds themselves in repeated conflict patterns with a child and wants to understand what's really driving them.

What you get

• 45-page PDF workbook — instant download
• Two bonus guided audio recordings (belly breathing + progressive muscle relaxation)
• Suitable for individual reflection, professional training, and group CPD use

The PPLF framework is an educational and reflective model. It is not a diagnostic or clinical assessment tool and does not replace professional advice.